Back to school 2026 is officially on, and if your house is anything like ours, the countdown is loud, fast and slightly chaotic. New shoes that somehow already look scuffed, stationery lists that read like a foreign language, and kids who are very ready but also somehow not ready at all.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve done the scrolling, comparing and shortlisting so you don’t have to. This is your go-to Back to School roundup for 2026, packed with clever essentials, parent-approved upgrades and products that actually survive the school year. From lunchboxes that don’t leak to backpacks that don’t destroy shoulders, this is the stuff Aussie families really rate.
What do kids need for Back to School in 2026?
For Back to School 2026, most Aussie kids need a sturdy backpack, leakproof lunchbox, insulated drink bottle, clear school labels, easy lunchbox snacks and tools that support learning at home. Choosing durable, easy-to-clean gear helps families save time and money throughout the school year.
Back to School 2026 Essentials: What You’ll Find in This Guide
Our roundup features all the items we know and love, what’s new, what’s of value and what’s an essential you can’t live without!
- School bags and backpacks
- Lunchboxes and bento boxes
- Drink bottles
- Snacks and lunchbox fillers
- Learning tools
- Household must-haves
Bookmark it, screenshot it and come back to it when the panic sets in. School prep just got smarter, easier and a whole lot more fun.
Get Prepped & Ready to Own the 2026 School Year
School Labels
Bright Star Kids School Name Labels Value Kit
RRP: $164.35 slashed to $40.00
WHERE TO BUY: Bright Star Kids
If you’re tired of buying the same drink bottle twice or wondering how brand-new jumpers disappear, this kit is your fix. The Bright Star Kids School Name Labels Value Kit includes over 200 personalised labels, making it easy to clearly mark lunchboxes, drink bottles, stationery, shoes, uniforms and sports gear so everything actually makes it home.
These labels are made for real school life. They’re 100% waterproof, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer safe, and designed to stay put through spills, washes and playground chaos. Once they’re on, they stay stuck all year long.
With nine different label types included, the kit delivers serious value, saving families up to 75% compared to buying labels individually. Proudly designed in Australia and trusted for over 20 years, it’s a back-to-school essential that saves time, money and sanity.
Backpack
Spencil Big Kids Backpack
RRP: From $49.95
WHERE TO BUY: Spencil
The Spencil Big Kids Backpack is built for school days that don’t end at the bell. Designed to handle books, lunch, tech and after-school gear, it offers generous storage without feeling bulky or uncomfortable for growing kids.
With four zip compartments, dual drink bottle sleeves and a padded laptop and tablet pocket, everything stays organised and easy to access. The lightweight ergonomic design, adjustable straps and protective lining help reduce strain, even when bags are packed to the brim.
Kids love the bold designs, including dinosaurs, unicorns and Indigenous art, while parents appreciate practical details like the write-on name label and durable construction. Comfortable, functional and built to last, it’s a backpack that keeps up all year.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 10% OFF SPENCIL BIG KIDS OR LITTLE KIDS BACKPACK CODE: BACKPACKSPECIAL10 EXPIRY: 26 JANUARY 2026
Lunchboxes
b.box for kids Whole Foods Lunchbox
RRP: $32.95
WHERE TO BUY: b.box for kids
This lunchbox understands that kids want options and parents want zero mess. The b.box for kids Whole Foods Lunchbox features a large main compartment that fits a whole sandwich, plus room for snacks, salads or leftovers without squashing everything together.
The removable tray and adjustable divider allow flexible packing, while the built-in gel cooler pack helps keep food cooler for longer, especially on warm school days. A clever flexi whole fruit holder stretches to fit a full piece of fruit, not just half of one.
With leakproof silicone seals, an easy-open clip and top-rack dishwasher-safe parts, it keeps lunches intact and mornings calmer. Practical, reliable and parent-approved, it’s a lunchbox that makes school days easier.
EcoCocoon Stainless Steel Bento Lunchbox
RRP: $79.95
WHERE TO BUY: EcoCoccoon
If you’re done with cracked plastic and flimsy lids, this is a smart upgrade. The EcoCocoon Stainless Steel Bento Lunchbox is built tough for everyday school life, with multiple compartments that keep food separated and actually edible by lunchtime.
Made from high-quality stainless steel, it’s designed to handle knocks, drops and overstuffed backpacks without warping or cracking. The removable silicone seal helps prevent leaks and spills, even when school bags are treated with very little care.
It’s BPA-free, dishwasher safe and designed to last for years rather than terms. Choosing stainless steel means less waste, fewer replacements and better long-term value, making it a practical, planet-friendly choice for busy families.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 10% OFF CODE: MUMCENTRAL202610 EXPIRY: 28 FEBRUARY 2026
Melii Luxe Range of Lunch Boxes
RRP: From $16.99
WHERE TO BUY: Bento Bliss
Packing school lunches should not feel like a daily battle. The Melii Luxe Range keeps things simple with smart compartments, leak-resistant seals, and easy-open lids that help kids manage their own food. Snacks stay separate, lunches stay fresh, and bags stay clean, keeping mornings calmer for parents, too.
The range includes standout favourites built for real life, like the Snackle Box with individual snap-lock compartments, Puzzle Kids Containers for flexible portion sizes, and the 2 Tier Bento Box with six compartments and built-in cutlery, ideal for longer school days and growing appetites.
Melii Luxe is made from BPA-free materials and designed for everyday family use. Practical, affordable, and genuinely useful, Melii delivers dependable lunch solutions without the premium price tag. It really is a smart choice for school, outings, and even adult lunches that need to be packed quickly and work reliably, every single day.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 15% OFF, NO MINIMUM SPEND CODE: XMASMC15 EXPIRY: 31 JANUARY 2026
Mapley Silicone Bento Boxes
RRP: From $36
WHERE TO BUY: Mapley
Mapley’s silicone bento boxes combine personality with everyday practicality. Each bento box can be personalised with your child’s name and an illustration, while the smaller boxes feature name-only personalisation. Making every set uniquely theirs and helping avoid lunch swaps and lost containers at school.
Made from durable silicone, these bento boxes are leakproof and unbreakable, designed to survive daily school use without cracking or warping. The smart compartment layout keeps food neatly separated and easy to access.
They’re dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe, making meal prep, storage and reheating simple for busy families. Award-winning and trusted by Australian parents, Mapley lunchware is built to last year after year while keeping school lunches stress-free.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 25% OFF BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES CODE: MCBTS25 EXPIRY: 31 MARCH 2026
Smash Hinged Lid Range
RRP: Snack $17 | Meal $21 | Lunch $27
WHERE TO BUY: Smash Products
Lost lids are a school lunch frustration no one needs, and Smash has solved it. The Smash Hinged Lid Range features a REMOVABLE hinged lid, keeping everything attached and ready to go but easy to remove when it comes to cleaning.
The Food Grade 304 stainless steel base is microwave safe, making reheating leftovers easy, while the clear lid keeps food visible and protected throughout the day. The design is practical and kid-friendly with its removable, adjustable inserts.
These lunchboxes are top-rack dishwasher safe and finished in bright colours kids love. Durable, easy to use and refreshingly fuss-free, they’re a reliable choice for smooth school mornings.
Adventure Snacks Silicone Large Square Bento Lunchbox
RRP: $74.95
WHERE TO BUY: Adventure Snacks
This lunchbox is designed for kids with bigger appetites. The Adventure Snacks Silicone Large Square Bento Lunchbox features four leakproof compartments, including a generous main section that fits full sandwiches, wraps or salads without cutting everything down.
Made from food-grade silicone, it’s plastic-free, flexible and tough enough to handle daily school use. The leakproof design helps keep bags clean and food where it belongs.
It’s safe for the oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer, making it incredibly versatile for school, work or travel. Ideal for older kids and teens, it’s a long-lasting option that grows with your family.
Drink Bottles
b.box for kids Insulated Drink Bottle 500mL
RRP: $35.95
WHERE TO BUY: b.box
Keeping kids hydrated all day is easier when the bottle actually does its job. The b.box for kids Insulated Drink Bottle is designed for busy school days, sports afternoons and excursions, keeping drinks cold when kids need them most.
With triple-layer insulation, it keeps drinks cold for up to 15 hours or warm for up to 8 hours, making it ideal for Aussie conditions. The silicone straw allows free-flow drinking, and when finished, the lid clicks securely to prevent leaks, keeping school bags dry and mess-free while encouraging independence in little hands.
Available in 350mL, 500mL, 690mL, and 1L versions, this bottle suits kids of all ages. Top-rack dishwasher-friendly for fuss-free clean-ups, it combines durability, practicality, and fun colours, it’s a school-day staple that reliably earns its spot in every backpack.
Oasis Kids Stainless Steel Drink Bottle 550ml
RRP: $29.95
WHERE TO BUY: Howards Storage World
School days are long, loud and full-on, so hydration needs to pull its weight. The Oasis Kids Stainless Steel Drink Bottle is built for classrooms, playgrounds and sports days, delivering no-nonsense performance with kid-approved attitude.
The 550 ml stainless steel body keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours, making it a solid option for hot school days, excursions and after-school chaos. The pop-up straw lid is easy for little hands, the built-in carry handle makes it grab-and-go, and the wide screw-off opening keeps refills and cleaning refreshingly simple for parents.
BPA-free, food-safe and sized to slip neatly into school bags and lunch totes, it’s designed for everyday use without leaks or fuss. With designs for every kind of kid — Gamer, Rainbow Sky, Sports, Alien Adventures, Garbage Trucks, Mermaid Unicorns, Sleepy Sloths, Check It Out, Bows & Hearts and the retro-cool Pink Cadillac — picking a favourite is half the fun. Pair it with the matching Sachi Insulated Junior Tote lunch bag for an easy, coordinated school-day setup.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 20% OFF OASIS KIDS STAINLESS STEEL DRINK BOTTLES AND MATCHING SACHI LUNCH BAGS CODE: NOT REQUIRED EXPIRY: 15 FEBRUARY 2026
Mapley Stainless Steel Insulated Drink Bottles
RRP: From $38
WHERE TO BUY: Mapley
Mapley’s stainless steel insulated drink bottles are designed to handle busy school days without fuss. With a sleek look and practical features, they make staying hydrated simple and mess-free.
Thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation, drinks stay cold for up to 18 hours or hot for up to 8 hours, perfect for school, sport and after-school activities. Available in 354ml and 532ml sizes, each bottle includes two interchangeable lids, a leakproof screw top and a pop-up straw, giving families flexible options.
Available in multiple sizes and colours, these bottles feature a rubber base and carry handle for easy everyday use. Durable, reliable and thoughtfully designed, they’re a long-term hydration solution parents can trust.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: 25% OFF BACK TO SCHOOL CODE: MCBTS25 EXPIRY: 31 MARCH 2026
Smash Charm Water Bottle 750mL
RRP: $18.98
WHERE TO BUY: Smash Products
Hydration gets a personality boost with the Smash Charm Water Bottle. Designed to make drinking water more fun, this bottle lets kids customise their look while staying hydrated throughout the day.
With a 750mL capacity, it easily covers school days, sports and after-school activities. Available in vibrant colours at major retailers, the Smash Charm Bottle is both practical and playful. Its charm system lets every child create a unique bottle, while parents love the easy-to-use design. This back-to-school essential blends function with creativity, helping kids stay hydrated and confident every school day.
Parents will love that it’s BPA-free, leak-proof and durable, with a wide mouth opening for easy cleaning, ice or fruit infusions. Affordable, playful and practical, it’s a great everyday water bottle that balances function with fun.
Snacking
Smash Bite Box
RRP: $20
WHERE TO BUY: Smash Products
Snack time just got exciting with the Smash Bite Box. Twelve customisable compartments let kids mix and match their favourite nibbles, build mini tasting platters, or pack a rainbow of fruit and treats. Removable dividers make it easy to switch up the layout depending on the day or appetite.
With 12 customisable compartments and removable dividers, kids can pack fruit, crackers, treats and grazing snacks exactly how they like. The hinged lid keeps everything secure, while the leakproof outer seal helps prevent spills inside school bags.
Built from durable, BPA-free polypropylene, this lunchbox is designed to last in school bags. The leakproof outer seal keeps food fresh, while the hinged lid with easy-open clips prevents lost lids and morning meltdowns. Parents will love the convenience, and kids will enjoy a tidy, organised snack solution.
Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slices
RRP: $3.80
WHERE TO BUY: Mother Earth Foods
Lunchboxes get an easy upgrade with Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slices. With greatness baked in, they’re made with real wholegrain oats, satisfyingly soft and irresistibly tasty. Each slice contains a source fibre and no artificial colours or flavours, helping to make them a dependable option for all occasions. Whether it’s great lunchboxes, great picnics or simply a great snack, Mother Earth delivers on taste & quality every time.
Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slice Choc Chip is on of the most loved flavours. It’s the number 1 oat bar in Australia*; a favourite among families who want flavour & real ingredients in every bite. Delicious, reliable & easy to pack, it makes snacking stress-free.
Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slices are found in Woolworths, Coles & IGA. The range is available in five flavours so that the family can mix and match to keep morning tea exciting. Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slices, greatness baked in!
*Source: Circana (AU) Pty Ltd, MarketEdge, AU Grocery Weighted, Macro Snacking, Nutritious Snacks, Oat Bars, Units, 52 WE 25 May 2025
Online Learning Tools
ABC Reading Eggs
RRP: $18.99 per month or $227 per year
WHERE TO BUY: Reading Eggs
Help your child start the school year confident and excited with ABC Reading Eggs. This award-winning online reading program for children aged 2 to 13 develops essential literacy skills such as phonics, sight words, vocabulary and comprehension while keeping learning fun and engaging for every child.
Children love the interactive games, exciting rewards and lessons that make reading feel like play. Parents love that 9 out of 10 see improvement within weeks. ABC Reading Eggs is ad-free, KidSAFE certified and has no in-app purchases. It is safe, easy to use and perfect for busy families.
The program aligns with each state’s education standards and works across multiple devices, for up to four children at the same time. Start your free 30-day trial today and watch your child gain confidence, build essential reading skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading, setting them up for success.
MUM CENTRAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER: FREE 30-DAY TRIAL TO ABC READING EGGS CODE: NOT NEEDED EXPIRY: NONE
Household Must Haves
Biozet Attack Laundry Liquid
RRP: $26
WHERE TO BUY: Biozet Attack
School life brings stains, smells and never-ending laundry, and Biozet Attack Laundry Detergent is built to handle it. Make laundry day quicker, easier and more effective with Biozet Attack Plus Softener’s dual action formula that cleans and softens for easy iron. This high performing detergent gives you a deep powerful clean with a light fragrance, helping every household stay on top of stains and every mess without the extra effort.
Biozet Attack laundry detergents work well in cold water washes, helping families save energy without sacrificing results. There’s a fibre smoothing essence included in the detergent, so no need for additional products in the laundry room!
Biozet Attack works across front and top loaders and performs in both short and long cycles without compromising results. Make laundry simple, effective and cost-efficient with a detergent trusted by Australian families for years.
Health
BioGaia Protectis Kids Chewable Tablets with Vitamin D
RRP: $41.39
WHERE TO BUY: BioGaia
Sick days are relentless. The cancelled plans, the time off work, the constant cycle of sniffles, coughs and tummy bugs that seem to move straight through the household. BioGaia Protectis Kids is designed to help change that pattern by supporting gut health and immunity in children aged 3 years+, giving parents one less thing to worry about during the school term.
Each chewable tablet delivers 100 million live L. reuteri DSM 17938, one of the world’s most researched probiotic strains, combined with Vitamin D to support immune function and healthy bone development. The formula is non-GMO, gentle on growing tummies and works to maintain a balanced gut and bowel flora, helping ease mild gastrointestinal inflammation that often sits behind recurring tummy upsets.
What truly sets BioGaia apart is the science. When taken daily, BioGaia Protectis Kids has been shown to deliver up to 67% fewer sick days from diarrhoea and up to 67% fewer sick days from upper respiratory tract infections. That’s a level of benefit no other kids’ probiotic on the market can claim, making BioGaia genuinely one of a kind. Available in yummy orange or strawberry flavours at Chemist Warehouse, Coles, Terry White Chemmart and independent pharmacies. Always read the label and follow directions for use.
*Gutiérrez-Castrellón P et al. Pediatrics 2014;133:904-909. Funded by BioGaia AB Stockholm, Sweden
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER OFFER: SAVE 25% OFF ALL BIOGAIA PRODUCTS CODE: MC25 EXPIRY: 28 FEBRUARY 2026
Consider this your head start on the smoothest Back to School 2026 yet. Expect less scrambling, fewer forgotten items and way more “wow, we’ve got this” energy. These are the products Aussie parents are genuinely loving because they work, last the distance and make school mornings easier, not harder.
Whether you’re shopping for a first-year school starter or upgrading gear that didn’t survive last year, this roundup has you covered. From lunchboxes and drink bottles to backpacks, school labels and learning tools, everything here has been chosen to save time, reduce stress and deliver on real-life use. Bookmark it, share it with your group chat and come back whenever school prep starts to feel overwhelming.
This Back to School 2026 roundup is a sponsored editorial, created in collaboration with brands we genuinely rate to bring you practical, parent-approved picks. Want your brand featured in future Back to School, gifting or seasonal roundups? Get in touch, we’d love to chat.
Roundup is a sponsored editorial, where we handpick and collaborate with brands we genuinely admire to bring you the latest trends. If you’re interested in joining our future editions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
